All Black lock banned for two weeks

The All Black and Crusaders lock Sam Whitelock has been suspended for two weeks after being sinbinned in ths side's 48-21 win over the South African side the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein.

Whitelock was cited for retaliation, after elbowing Cheetahs prop Charles Marais in the face but the judiciary has ruled the offence was worthy of a red card.

Crusaders and All Black lock Sam Whitelock. Photo: Photosport

It means Whitelock won't be able to play again until after May 13th, leaving the Crusaders short of experience as All Blacks skipper Kieran Read is out with a broken thumb.

He'll miss the Crusaders' final game in South Africa against the Bulls on Sunday, as well as their home match against the Hurricanes the following week.

Meanwhile the Sunwolves fullback Jamie-Jerry Taulagi has been banned for five weeks after being sent off in his side's loss to the Chiefs at the weekend, when he drove his shoulder into the head of Chief's back Shaun Stevenson.